Indiana Pacers ( 70) Aaron McKie. "The Owl Without A Vowel" only played one season in the NBA with the Philadelphia Warriors (now the Golden State Warriors), but the nickname has stuck with him ever since college. Mlkvy received his nickname while attending Temple University. Jackson spent 12 years in the majors with thePhiladelphia Athletics(19081909),Cleveland Naps/Indians(19101915) andChicago White Sox(19151920). Deion Sanders dazzled the nation as he high stepped into the end zone after interceptions and punt returns, frustrating football purists and giving birth to the moniker Prime Time. Plummer is currently a racquetball champion in his native Idaho and was recently interviewed and quoted as saying he loves his life in his small town. The #7 shirt at Manchester United has been worn by several of the greatest players of all time. Malone was known for his consistency and durability and for teaming up with a sprightly white guy in short shorts all those years as a member of the Utah Jazz. However, many athletes remain inseparable from their on-field persona and the uniform that they wear. No. He won two NBA titles with the Houston Rockets and was the NBA MVP in 1994, also with the Rockets. While his nickname is creative, it is also a prime example of racial prejudice and bigotry. His nickname suggests as much, as it is indicative of a man who . While most remember him for his playing days in baseball, Williams is also a true American hero, leaving the game twice to enlist in the United States Armed Forces as a Marine Corps pilot. In his playing days, Jerome was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and a Super Bowl Champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XL. The nickname given to Camacho seems born out of synergy, contained in, and rhyming with, his last name. Hardaway was a four-time NBA All-Star, two-time NBA first team selection and NBA All-Rookie first team selection (1994). Clayton Kershaw. 15: Carlos Beltran. ), "The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame Hall of Fame Inductees". Mookie Blaylock could have been the name of a famous band. The sports television outlet have come up with a formula that combines endorsements with social media following and the amount of intern Jordan is widely considered to be the greatest basketball player of all-time, with six NBA titles, five MVP awards, and fourteen All-Star Game appearances. Fracisco Cordova (Pittsburg Pirates) 8. The nickname is cool because it's edgy and impressive, but then when you find out he's a boxer, it just seems kind of lame. There have been many outstanding athletes to dawn the number 23. . Along with Aaron's power, his longevity also is worth noting. These two sisters dominate women's tennis, changing the sport from one of finesse and skill into one characterizing violent power. These players have left a lasting impression on their respective teams. Possibly one of the most well-known athletes of all-time, George Herman Ruth could have had his nickname "Babe" included with Tiger Woods, Magic Johnson, and Boomer Esiason, but it was just one of many for the 22 year pitcher turned outfielder. Jon Lieber (Chicago Cubs) 7. With a common name like Ed Jones, inserting "Too Tall" seemed like an easy way to separate the man and make him an individual. Sometimes just called Michael "Air" Jordan, the greatest basketball player to ever live has been called many other things as well. Here's a little lesson for all you readers out there, confused as to how he loses one finger and only has three remaining. Also called "Golden Joe"and "Comeback Joe," Joe Montana earned his nickname for his ability to stay calm under pressure and come through in the clutch with key passes and throwing accuracy. Very few athletes have earned their nickname quite like Dominique Wilkins. famous athletes number 23 nicknamemeat carving knife blank. Rodman was a king on the court when it came down to getting into his opponent's physche. Photo: Wikimedia Commons. He became known as "The Ryan Express" when he came into games because of his fastball that easily topped 100 mph on a routine basis. Applicants are ranked on creativity, unique jargon and consideration of prominence. Mario Lemieux is a hero to many hockey fans, but not only because of his contributions to the Pittsburgh Penguins on the ice. "While doing the research on why someone would name their child "Eldrick," it was discovered the nickname "Tiger" was given to him by his father. Other nicknames include "Pillsbury Throwboy," "J. Johnson was elected to theNBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996, is a five-time NBA Champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, a three-time MVP and a 12-time All-Star. He is alsoknown for his 10-year reign asmiddleweightworld champion and setting a record for defending it 20 consecutive times. John G. Zimmerman/SI. Nicklaus earned the nickname at an early age because of his shock of blond hair and stout build. But who makes it into Australia-only top 10? What famous athletes wore number 22? One theory says he received the nickname while participating in batting practice as a rookie with the Montreal Expos. Aside from the final stop of his football career in Baltimore, he wore #21 for his other four teams. Truly the champion of the nickname, Ruth is also the symbol of achievement in our nation's greatest past-time. Indiana Pacers ( 19) New York Knicks ( 19) Milwaukee Bucks ( 22, 23) Don May. Rodman embraced the nickname and fed off the hype. Jones is said to have 106 sacks unofficially and is one of the most notorious pass-rushers in the history of the game. But we know him best for the TV personality aspect. Di Maria will be the next to carry on the tradition associated with the #7 at Man U. Wayne Gretzky, the greatest hockey player of all time, can easily be identified by his #99. "The Snake" was a nickname given to him after the likeness of professional wrestler, Jake "The Snake" Roberts. The Rams and Jets QB also did several endorsement commercials during his playing days, including this one for pantyhose, no joke. Carry on with the slideshow, and impress your friends with your newfound street cred. 5 Best players to wear No. The Celtics' big man averaged 22.5 rebounds in his career; between his mastery of the . He is best known for his unusual running style, which some say he developed running cross legged over four square cement sidewalk blocks in his home town. The longtime Dallas Cowboy was caught with nearly 400 pounds of marijuana combined in two separate incidents. If pressed to name a national sport, Malaysians would say "badminton.". Hayes earned many nicknames during his playing days, such as "The Judge" and his self-proclaimed "Jedi" alias for his pre-Super Bowl XVIII quotes stating he was "The only true Jedi in the NFL" (Star Wars was immensely popular in the late '70s and early '80s). Drexler has had his nickname since his days at the University of Houston, named for his speed and athleticism on the court and his pleasant and easygoing nature in his private life. Following legal troubles, Camacho retired from professional boxing and has since proclaimed himself to be a "born again Christian.". He has a career batting average of .356 and 1,772 hits. For certain teams, some numbers hold a special place in club lore and the hearts of the fans. Salley was also a co-host for "Best Damn Sports Show Period," alongside Tom Arnold and Chris Rose. "Charles is no stranger to the comical spotlight, so when this nickname surfaced, it obvious stuck. The nickname literally translated means "The Duke," but his moniker is in reference to a tropical hurricane, which he is said to have brought on his opponents while pitching on the mound. Kukowas a member of the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the late '90s, where he gained his nickname for his superb play and country of origin. Howe is a PR dream, the face of the NHL and a legend in the realm of professional hockey. Either way, the nickname stuck, as did the movie. This is one of the most fitting nicknames on the countdown. Our most famous number in sports is the former NBA player Michael Jordan's number 23. But when the band was told they couldn't use his name as their band moniker, they adopted his other nickname and became known as "Pearl Jam," a name that also has rumors to its origins. The NBA big man grew up in the small community ofGans, Okla., and attended Oklahoma State University. Load," and "Round Mound of Touchdown," in reference to one of Charles Barkley's many monikers. Payton is also likely the best player to ever play at Oregon State University, with A.C. Green, Brent Barry and Corey Benjamin in the discussion. 3 He was known as the 'Splendid Splinter' and is considered one of baseball's greatest hitters. The lefty was also a six-time Stanley Cup Champion and winner of multiple awards. . 88. He retired with the most wins of any quarterback in NFL history (which would later be broken by Favre, Brady, and Manning). It's one of the more unique and popular nicknames of the modern era.". Numbers are now considered a common feature for uniforms in every team sport. Robinson's nickname is derived from his service in the United States Navy. August 10, 2021 9:00 am. Moses Malone . There are those names that just seemsoright. Wilkins played 11 seasons of NBA basketball with the Atlanta Hawks and was a nine-time NBA All-Star. In 1993, Williams started wearing the No. He played professional football in the NFL with theAtlanta Falcons(19891993),San Francisco 49ers(1994),Dallas Cowboys(19951999),Washington Redskins(2000) andBaltimore Ravens(20042005). During and following his boxing career, Tyson is known for his unusual and often frightening quotes and taunts and also several run-ins with law enforcement. It's actually a powerful testament to Jordan's greatness that simply shortening his first name . John Cena is number 9 in our list of the top 10 most famous athletes in the world. Professional sports seems to be the perfect breeding ground for bizarre and hilarious nicknames for athletes. 4 - Lou Gehrig by a sliver over Bobby Orr. 3 Kids seem to believe that stardom carries with it certain "perks," such as that famous athletes get special treatment if they break the law (34%; 39% of teens and 25% of 10-12 year olds) and are As time passes, these athletes will be remembered for the accomplishments achieved while wearing their preferred numbers. Often considered the greatest boxer, Ali made a name for himself with his quick footwork, skills, and trash-talking persona. Ryan recorded 5,714 strikeouts, 324 wins and a TKO of Robin Ventura in his 27-year career. The name stuck throughout Rich Gossage's playing days, and he is affectionately known by the moniker to this day. Floyd's nickname is used to describe the consistent look on his face, and how his complexion reminds on-lookers of someone who looks tired or "sleepy.". As far as nicknames go, this one isn't much fun, but at least it's better than "Baby Shaq.". His nickname is more a basic description of the entity he embodies than a catchy alter-ego. Elway possessed an uncanny ability to lead his teams to victory when they trailed late in games. Most recently, Suarez brought the shirt some disgrace with his on-field antics, but he also helped Liverpool mount their best title challenge in over a decade. The school's mascot is the Owl and the obvious lack of a vowel letter in his last name was the second half of a legendary nickname. Answer: Jack Nicklaus. Jerry Rice is unquestionably the greatest wide receiver in the history of the NFL. Every year, LeBron James earns around $25 million in salary from the Cleveland Cavaliers and roughly $55 million from endorsements. 22: Joey Bats (Jose Bautista) Bautista once did a very funny sketch that was a version of the baseball bat scene in "The Untouchables." Was the famous number 23 of the Chicago Bulls? He was a larger than life figure that was known for crushing home runs and winning seven World Series titles. 24: Alworth, . Joel Mason, an Iron River native who was born March 12, 1912 and died Oct. 31, 1995 at the age of 83, was a professional football and basketball player. Erving electrified crowds with his dunking and leaping abilities, and the nickname seemed divine and easily matched his personality and persona. McGriff's alias is just one of the many nickname brainchild ideas of ESPN analyst Chris Berman, who noticed the slugger's name resembled that of the National Crime Prevention Council mascot "McGruff.". Also called "The Boilermaker," Jeffries was a world heavyweight boxing champion just before the turn of the 20th century. However, it was as a fullback that got him his alias, and it would stick with him long after his playing days were over. Johnston was also the first fullback ever elected to the Pro Bowl, a position officially recognized by the NFL because of Johnston's efforts as a blocker and occasional runner. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. Newton was the prime example of how munchies can have devastating effects on your weight and physical appearance. Any way you slice it, the man could hit, and the "Splendid Splinter" seems to be the most creative nickname ever concocted for the lefty. These numbers can be passed down from one club legend to the next, as the tradition is in soccer. In 87 career fights, Camacho has 79 wins (including 38 knockouts) and just five losses with three draws. The eccentric cross-dresser earned his play in NBA history as a Champion with the Chicago Bulls, and as a psycho, after kicking a camera man in the jewels, drawing a record number of technical fouls, tearing his jersey off before leaving the court when ejected, wearing a dress for a promotion on multiple occasions, piercing every area of his body and dating Carmen Electra. LINK Famous athletes who wore the number 32: 1. Birth State: Alabama. Joe was never a stranger to the media, providing plenty of quotes and controversy in his days, and "Broadway Joe" seems fitting despite the limited experience in actual theatre. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban recognized these qualities and made Johnson head coach of the team in 2004, before Avery moved on to the New Jersey Nets in 2010. #23 is now retired by both the Chicago Bulls and North Carolina Tar Heels. 23, even if it was for a short period during his career. Olajuwon's first name was spelled "Akeem" in his college days at the University of Houston and early into his NBA career. No. Whatever you want to call him, McGriff had a solid career in MLB, playing for seven teams and recording three Silver Sluggers, five All-Star appearances and a 1995 World Series Championship with the Atlanta Braves. Aside from being a vegan, Salley is known for several other odd mannerisms and goofy antics. Tiger Woods is a professional golfer and tied for first in PGA Tour wins, ranks second in men's major championships, and holds multiple golf records. A power reliever, he put his full weight behind every pitch, so that he dropped hard to the right, sometimes falling off the mound. Oh yeah, he also played basketball for five NBA teams in 15 years and won four NBA championships with three different teams. ESPN have announced the top 20 most famous athletes of 2019. The Pro Football Hall of Famer has 16,726 career yards, along with 110 TDs on the ground. When the Bears needed a short yardage gain, there was "The Fridge," banging through the line and stumbling into the end zone. He led the league in runs scored, home runs and RBI in separate seasons. Perkins played the game with pride and a seemingly calm demeanor that earned him the nickname "Big Smooth.". Also called "The Baddest on the Planet," Mike Tyson won his first 19 professional bouts by knockout12 of them occurring in the first round. The Nigerian giant stood 7-feet tall and weighed 255 pounds in his playing days. No list of the best athletes is complete without "The Greatest" Muhammad Ali. He has worn the iconic #7 for Manchester United as well as the Portuguese National Team and his current club Real Madrid. Michael Jordan's best nickname. The countdown has begun for when the New York Yankees will retire the #2 of their recently retired shortstop, Derek Jeter. The mobile thrower has nearly 30,000 passing and 4,000 rushing yards to his name. Carlton Fisk earned his nickname with the Boston Red Sox for his physical stature, standing 6'2" tall and weighing 220 pounds. BATS THAT THEY HAVE WIELDED E. MAYNE'S PRICELESS COLLECTION The Stradivarius to Kreisler . Jeffries boxed in a time where blacks were heavily persecuted, and "The Great White Hope" was a moniker for his desire to destroy all blacks with his boxing abilities. Jordans incredible career has inspired hundreds of athletes to wear #23, including LeBron James. The nickname would stick and become part of his identity throughout his playing years, summarizing Dawson's aggressive approach to the game and his Hall of Fame work ethic. This nickname is clever, scores big points for rhyming with the name and personifies Holyfield to the fullest. Players carefully cultivate their public images in order to maximize their value on and off the field of play. The ever-flamboyant star has also had his run-ins with the law but will go down as a tremendous athlete with a killer nickname. Source: Getty Images There are many different stories explaining the origin of the "Say Hey" nickname, but the most common descriptions is as follows: When Mays was coming up in the minor leagues, he moved so frequently through the ranks he didn't know very many of his teammates names. However, he only made one broadway appearance, covered here by Wikipedia: "he made his only appearance on Broadway as a cast replacement in a revival ofThe Caine Mutiny Court Martial. Gretzky won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers during the 1980s, before he was dealt in a blockbuster deal to the Los Angeles Kings. The thumb is not called a "finger," and therefore doesn't count. The Team clue is for the team that that athlete is most notable for while wearing the #23, not their current teams. Wayne Gretzky might be the sport's greatest player, but Red Wings legend Gordie Howe, in many respects, was its most popular. History, conspiracies and Jordan: Why 23 is sport's most legendary number Three sports, three icons, all No.23. Mo Farah. However, he is also known as "Wild Thing" for his unusual delivery to the plate. Magics versatility allowed him to play all five positions on the court, and he earned three MVP Awards in both the regular season and NBA Finals. Coolest Nicknames From Non-Traditional Sports. The iconic hitter earned the nickname "The Flying Dutchman" in his playing days for his speed and nationality. Hernndez is also known for the enormous leg kick featured in his delivery. In this sport, Lee Chong Wei sits on the throne. By the 1930s numbers on uniforms were standard practice for Major League Baseball teams and were common in other sports like football and hockey. There are so many famous AKAs in the world of sports, and many deserve their place at the top of the heap. 50 - Jamie Moyer One of the most flammable pitchers in the league in his 20s, Moyer looked like he might wash out of baseball after spending the . In modern sports, athletes are valuable assets that are the centerpiece of advertising campaigns and the faces of their organizations. Forever remembered for his involvement in the 1919 "Black Sox" scandal, "Shoeless" Joe Jackson was known for his lightning-quick feet and agility, earning the moniker that would become inseparable from his legacy. One look at the high-flying X-Games star, and it's easy to see why he is called "The Flying Tomato.". Maravich earned his nickname in high school, from his habit of shooting the ball from his hip, as if firing a revolver. He was often compared to film character Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn (played byCharlie Sheen) in the1989David S. Wardfilm Major League. He then cemented his status as a hockey legend when he secured ownership of the Penguins and stopped them from moving to Kansas City. Between June 2016 and 2017, LeBron earned $86 million. 24 See also. Dennis (Oil Can) Boyd Best Athletes by Number: 66-99. His trash talking is the stuff of street legend and his longevity in the league cemented his status as an NBA great. Johnson was first dubbed "Magic" while playing Everett High School high as a 15-year-old sophomore. 99 for years because of an admiration for the football playerMark Gastineau, who also wore No. Shaun's nickname is born out of obvious connections. Standing just 5'10" tall, Johnson has enough attitude packed inside his small frame for the rest of us. Gordie Howe is considered one of the best hockey players in history but is also known for his friendly personality, kind demeanor, longevity as a player and prolific goal-scoring.